This program is ONLINE. Students applying to this program are currently a registered nurse with either an associate degree or diploma degree. Students often pursue their BSN in order to obtain or maintain a management position. Students may also be preparing for advanced study.

Nurse Administrator
Students applying are registered nurses with a current RN license and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing or a health-related field. Graduates of this program are prepared to function in the role of administrator in various healthcare settings.

Nurse Educator
Students applying are registered nurses with a current RN license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or a health-related field. Graduates of this program are prepared to function in the role of educator within academic and/or healthcare settings.

Nurse Practitioner

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Students applying to this program are registered nurses with a current RN license and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing or a health-related field. Graduates of this program are prepared to take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam and to function as an advanced practice nurse upon successful completion of the exam.

GNP – Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
This track option is offered through the Mississippi Education Consortium for Specialized Advanced Practice Nursing (MECSAPN). Graduates of this program are prepared to take the Gerontological Nurse Practitioner certification exam and to function as an advanced practice nurse upon successful completion of the exam.

PMHNP – Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with Adult or Family Focus options
This track option is offered through the Mississippi Education Consortium for Specialized Advanced Practice Nursing (MECSAPN). Graduates of this program are prepared to take the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Adult or Family Focus) certification exam and to function as an advanced practice nurse upon successful completion of the exam.

Beginning summer 2013, the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing will offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. This online program will allow registered nurses at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s level to advance their education by earning the degree and seeking eligibility, if needed, to take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam. The following program options are available:

RN-DNP: This option is for registered nurses (RNs) prepared at the Associate or Diploma level who desire to advance their education and nursing practice to the highest professional level in a role concentration as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). These RNs will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) upon completion of the first year of nursing coursework.

BSN-DNP: This option is for registered nurses (RNs) prepared at the Baccalaureate level who desire to advance their education and nursing practice to the highest professional level in a role concentration as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

Post-Master’s (Non-FNP): This option is for registered nurses (RNs) prepared at the Master’s level, in a role concentration other than as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), who desire to advance their education and nursing practice to the highest professional level.

Post-Master’s (FNP)-DNP: This option is for registered nurses (RNs) prepared at the Master’s level, in a role concentration as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), who desire to advance their education and nursing practice to the highest professional level.